Former Liberal leader Lord David Steel could be booted out of the Lib Dems for his handling of allegations against late MP Cyril Smith, it was claimed yesterday.
Lord Steel, 81, could be axed from the party when the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse publishes the findings of its probe into Westminster allegations next Tuesday.
The 81-year-old peer from Kirkcaldy could be censured over his admission that he failed to pass on his suspicions about the abuse of boys by Smith, who died in 2010.
A friend of Lord Steel said: “There is no allegation about his personal behaviour, but the way in which he dealt with some publicity about Smith which he raised with him 40 years ago.
“We think IICSA will scapegoat him on the basis he is the only name they have got.”
The Lib Dems have allegedly triggered plans to expel him when the report is published.
Lord Steel served as an MP for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles from 1965 until the constituency was abolished in 1983. He went on to become MP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale until 1997.
The peer was also a list MSP for the Lothians between 1999 and 2003.
A party spokesman refused to comment.
